Belize signs agreement with US to share biometric data at ports of entry

Belize and the United States have launched a new border security initiative aimed at strengthening immigration controls, a move government officials describe as a milestone in bilateral cooperation but which has drawn criticism from Opposition legislators over transparency and data privacy.

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The initiative allows officials from Belize’s Ministry of Immigration to work alongside their US counterparts under the Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP). As part of the agreement, Belize’s ports of entry will receive software and hardware upgrades enabling immigration officers to conduct background checks on visitors by accessing the United States Department of Homeland Security’s identity database, one of the world’s largest biometric law enforcement archives.

Immigration Minister Kareem Musa announced the partnership at a signing ceremony, describing it as a major step in modernising Belize’s border management systems.

“This partnership modernises how we identify people entering our country, supports our immigration officers with advanced tools and training and strengthens national security,” Musa said. He added that the government remains committed to safeguarding national borders while ensuring efficient service for legitimate visitors.

Home Affairs and Enterprise Minister Oscar Mira said the agreement reflects the realities of an increasingly interconnected world, where countries must collaborate to address shared security challenges. “National security, border management and public safety are no longer challenges that any country can face alone,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, Tanya Santos, said the new technology will enhance officers’ ability to detect potential risks. She noted that immigration personnel will be better equipped to identify behavioral and travel-pattern red flags, allowing them to refer individuals for secondary screening, during which biometric data would be captured.

Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Belize, Catherine Beamer, said the database being shared is among the largest biometric systems globally and includes information contributed by countries worldwide. She said the United States is sharing the system with partners such as Belize to strengthen collective security efforts.

However, the initiative has sparked concern from the Opposition. Opposition legislator Patrick Faber said his party is questioning the agreement, noting that similar concerns were raised about a previous biometric data-sharing arrangement signed by Prime Minister John Briceño.

“A year ago, we saw the prime minister sign an agreement with the US Government about sharing bio-data information, and up to now, we have not heard any clarification as to what that is,” Faber said at a news conference.

He added that citizens should be concerned if they are not being adequately informed about what personal information is being shared and how it will be used.